In short No. Mine came without one. It is quite fine shooting this way. Either way it's loud since it's such a short barrel, although not obnoxious. The recoil pad is what makes such a difference compared to a black gun. Whindam weaponry makes a standard A2 flash hider for the 450 that I'm thinking of trying just for kicks. May cut down on the flash and rise without adding weight and length.

Not really, though it does help with the recoil. Mine came with a muzzle thread protector in the box (along with a manual, lock, etc.) so you could remove the brake and shoot without. The brake does not use a crush washer, making it easy to change out. I don't know if that thread protector/cap normally ships or if it was just luck.

New member, I have a ranch rifle on order. Like the design. Hoping I don't need the muzzle brake, but I'm going into it with an open mind. Also hoping I can achieve the accuracy I've seen others accomplish with factory ammo.

Definitely not "REQUIRED". But will help with recoil. Personally, I am no fan of brakes that re direct sound and blast to the shooter. This one has huge ports to the sides and I wont even fire one shot thru mine... Its coming off before even getting shot.

There are other brakes out there is a brake is needed. But give it a try, its not a horrendous kicker by any means. if you can shoot a '06 you can shoot a 450 bolt.

Finally got mine last week. Have ran a box of the Hornady ftx through it so far. I put a Leupold 1-4X on it and so far I'm loving life. Now that it's sighted in I'm going to remove the brake and try it.